His two spells at Old Trafford were equally as miserable. Bought out his contract after just three games first time, only to return 10 years later. Personality clash with Ferguson resulted in an acrimonious and rapid exit after failing to live up to expectations.

LES SEALEY (Signed June 1990 from Luton - free; signed from Aston Villa in January 1993 - free)

A surprise signing, initially on loan, but repaid Ferguson's faith by starring in FA Cup final replay victory at the expense of Jim Leighton in 1990. Starred in European Cup Winners' Cup final victory the following season but his appointment was only a short-term measure.

PETER SCHMEICHEL (Signed August 1991 from Brondby - é550,000)

Regarded as one of Ferguson's best-ever signings, the Great Dane arrived as United began to dominate the top flight. Won five Premier League titles in seven years, lifted three FA Cups and starred in that dramatic Champions League final victory in 1999. Will always be credited with helping establish United as the force in domestic football during the 1990s and was possibly the greatest goalkeeper to grace the Premiership.

TONY COTON (Signed January 1996 from Manchester City - é500,000)

Signed from United's city rivals only as back-up and did not play a game during a six-month stay. Now United's goalkeeping coach.

RAIMOND VAN DER GOUW (Signed July 1996 from Vitesse Arnhem - free)

Another goalkeeper who lived in the considerable shadow of Schmeichel. Played only a few games in a six-year stay but was usually solid rather than spectacular when called upon to fill the breach.

MASSIMO TAIBI (Signed August 1999 from Venezia - é4.5million)

The Italian was signed as the high-profile replacement for Schmeichel but never came close to justifying his large price tag. Played just four games and was jettisoned after a series of blunders, most notably letting a Matthew Le Tissier daisy-cutter through his legs. One of Fergie's biggest transfer blunders.

FABIEN BARTHEZ (Signed June 2000 from Monaco - é7.8million)

Ferguson's second attempt at replacing Schmeichel was slightly more successful, although this time he had to invest in a proven France international. But despite his undoubted brilliance Barthez was another goalkeeper prone to making some major errors and he tested the manager's patience to the limit. Was replaced as first-choice by Tim Howard for start of 2003 season and left soon after.

ANDY GORAM (Signed on loan May 2001 from Motherwell)

Brought in as short-term cover to much derision from the footballing world, the 36-year-old played only two matches before returning to Scotland.

ROY CARROLL (Signed July 2001 from Wigan - é2.5million)

Was brought in to be Barthez's understudy but at times found himself elevated into the starting line-up as a result of the Frenchman's increasing problems with injury and indifferent form. Was never seen as the long-term solution by Ferguson and has spent most of his time at Old Trafford as an understudy. Strangely he was the man in possession of the goalkeeper's shirt at the time of his departure, having played in the FA Cup final defeat by Arsenal, but frustrated Ferguson with his reticence to sign a new deal.

RICARDO (Signed July 2002 from Valladolid - é1.5million)

Another of Ferguson's flops. Was expected to challenge Barthez all the way but managed only five appearances. Was loaned out to Racing Santander last season.

Enjoyed an impressive start to his United career, having been thrust into the first-team limelight as a complete unknown. Lost his place for a month after United's Champions League exit last March and high-profile blunders against Bolton and Lyon earlier this season resulted in him being dropped again. Handed a two-year extension to his contract recently but has yet to thoroughly convince.